The Catholic Archdiocese of Accra has officially announced the institution of a Permanent Diaconate, which will aid in strengthening the hierarchy of Sacred Orders, especially in areas where the presence of Priests is limited.
In a letter signed by the Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp, Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, he stated that the decision follows consultations with the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, College of Consultors, Priests’ Council, Priests and Religious of the Archdiocese and the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council.
In the letter, addressed to Priests, Religious, and Lay Faithful, Archbishop Kwofie, added that the Permanent Diaconate will enlist a new group of dedicated men who can serve on either a full-time or part-time basis
He also emphasised that the diaconate will aid in extending liturgical and charitable services in the community, in addition to the work already done by catechists and designated lay persons.
Furthermore, it will provide an official sacramental presence of the Church in secular life and assist priests in sacramental and liturgical matters.
Archbishop Kwofie outlined some requirements candidates must fulfill to be Permanent Deacons in the Archdiocese.
He stated, “Candidates for the permanent diaconate must fulfil the following requirements: Must fulfil those requirements valid for Sacred Orders in general, that is, men who “have sound faith, are motivated by the right intention, are endowed with the requisite knowledge, enjoy a good reputation, and have moral probity, proven virtue and the other physical and psychological qualities appropriate to the order to be received”.
In addition, candidates must have some human qualities which will help them in the line of duty, including, “psychological maturity, capacity for dialogue and communication, sense of responsibility, industriousness, equilibrium and prudence, among others”.
Candidates for the Permanent Diaconate must also be active members of the Christian community in the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra for at least 10 years and have already “exercised a praiseworthy commitment to the apostolate.”
They may carry out any professional activity, provided it is not inconsistent with the diaconal state.
Archbishop Kwofie also noted that candidates must be married and fall within the age range of 45 to 55 years, adding that “they must have completed their tenth year in the sacrament of Holy Matrimony and have shown themselves to be capable of running their own homes, and whose wives and children lead a truly Christian life and have good reputations.”
Interested candidates may initiate their request for formation through their pastors. However, there should be only one candidate per parish.
The Archbishop will also consult with the Director of Formation and the Formation team before accepting or declining requests for diaconal formation.
Archbishop Kwofie has called for prayers from all clergy, religious, and faithful for the successful implementation of this new order, which aims to serve both God and the community more effectively.
By: Veronica Sena Amenya//Newswatchgh.com
